A woman allegedly strung out on methamphetamine appears to have been behind a false complaint that sparked a police response that locked down part of Te Awamutu.

Local officers and members of the armed offenders squad responded to reports of a domestic involving a firearm at a Rewi St address.

Cordons blocked traffic along Rewi St and Station Rd shortly after 6pm on Monday and the co-operation of KiwiRail was obtained to shut down train traffic on the main trunk line.

However, police now say the 33-year-old complainant may face charges.

Western Waikato area commander Inspector Paul Carpenter said police investigations found the alleged dispute between the woman and her 26-year-old estranged male partner had not unfolded in the way she had said it did.

"It appears now that the incident centred around the woman's bad reaction to the drug methamphetamine and we are now looking at the most appropriate action to take both in relation to preventing drug-related harm and the wasting of police time," Carpenter said.

Police initially warned the public not to approach Toki Ranier Takerei based on information that he might be armed.

But police have now spoken to him and are confident he did not threaten the woman with a firearm.

"Investigators would like to acknowledge the co-operation of this man and his family in this matter."

Waikato armed offenders squad members were deployed due to the serious nature of the the woman's allegations.

"Contrary to some reports, no shots were fired during the course of the incident however tear gas and distraction devices were used to assist in the safe clearing of the property."